GCS Sixth-Graders Facing Suspension For Not Having Tdap Shot

GREENSBORO, N.C.-- Guilford County Schools (GCS) has a warning for the parents of 968 sixth-graders in the Guilford County Schools System.

The warning: Your child has only have one week remaining to get the required Tdap vaccine or your child is facing possible suspension from school.

Wednesday, GCS sent out a news release stating that students who have not gotten the booster shot and who haven't turned in documentation to their school by Tuesday, Sept. 24 will be suspended starting Wednesday, Sept. 25.

As of today, 968 of the district's 5,388 sixth-graders have not provided a record of receiving the Tdap vaccination, GCS officials said.

Parents can get their sixth-graders vaccinated at their doctor's office or the Guilford County Department of Public Health. Parents can schedule an appointment at either the Greensboro location (1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro) or High Point location (501 E. Green Drive, High Point) by calling 336-641-3245. The Health Department will offer extended clinic hours specifically for Tdap on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

GCS has communicated with parents about the requirement since April and has worked closely with the Health Department to ensure students have opportunities to get the vaccine. The district worked with elementary schools to begin notifying parents before summer break. Since the beginning of this school year, middle schools have provided frequent reminders of the Tdap deadline.

In 2008, a state law went into effect requiring all sixth-graders who have not had a Tdap vaccination in five years to receive a booster shot by the start of the school year.